Just saw an old time car spotlight at an antique show today. It was about a foot and a half long, had the wiring, and the turning handle was plastic (bakelite?) Sorry I don't know the proper terminology for it, maybe from an old cop car?? Anyway, the guy was asking $60 for it. That's $60 Canadian so probably about $4.25 American. Is that a good price for that piece? I know where his shop is so I could still grab it. Thanks in advance.
I'm an idiot. I should have learned by now to go with my gut at these shows. The guys with the old car stuff love me and the little old ladies think I'm going to steal their cups and saucers.
Do you have a thing for overpriceing stuff? Not the first post of that kind you wrote, not saying your lying, but with those prices its gotta be little more behind it! Over here they ussaly goes for $50-$100 US for average ones, but you can find them cheaper with patience, then there is some rare ones that can cost whatever somenes willing to pay! I cant imagine they would cost more over there!
What condition was it in? Any pitting or peeling chrome? Some are VERY common and probably only worth 20 or 30 US dollars.....then there are the more sought after ones.
I just gave it a quick once over but there was no peeling chrome and a little bit of pitting from what I remember. I had to make a choice between that and an old tin battery operated Mustang drag car. Maybe I'll bet a hold of the guy during the week.
WE HAVE MANY TO CHOSE FROM . fog lights spotlights and hand held . new and used CHECK US OUT AT oldlites4u@comcast
It really depends on the condition. I sold a NOS that fit a 53-54 Chevy (maybe others) for $150 a few weeks ago. It was near perfect though. Unless it was something very rare, you are looking at somewhere less than that IMO. $60 should be a good buy in good condition but you didn't p*** up next months rent or anything.
Here you go Cl***ic Unity on xBay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NICE-UNITY-S-5-SPOTLIGHT-WITH-MOUNTING_W0QQitemZ120303129904QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item120303129904&_trkparms=72%3A727%7C39%3A1%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245 Go get it
That price seems a bit high, I bought a primo looking one last year (50 ford tag) for $10 at portland swap meet.
Unless it's an Appleton or similar, or a factory light for a particular car that's NOS or close to it, they have very little value, I've bought boxes with two and three of them for $5-$10 in the past. A nice mint example is worth more, but they're still fairly common.
if its an appleton 112 or 552 in mint or nos condition, its worth some $$.... if its just a run of the mill "cop style" spotlight (not pointy buckets, but blunt or rounded)..they are a dime a dozen,,,
What rustynewyorker and Kustom7777 said. If it wasn't an Appleton, it probably isn't worth much, and if it was an Appleton, but not a Model 112 or 552, even then it isn't worth much. There are tons of off brands out there for $20 or so, because they were popular on cop cars and ambulances (many of those were Unity brand, not as desireable, because they are not pointed on top). Just because it's old, that don't make it valuable. And yes, I think the conversion factor is that $60 in Canadian is worth about $4.25 in Fahrenheit.
If it has Ford or Mopar or brand name on the tag it is worth a bit more but I pick them up for around $15-20.00 around my area in decent shape. You want to try to find the smaller bulb size with good stainless steel if you can and like they said the Appleton is one of the best. An original Mercury option (49-51) is worth a lot if you can find one.
if i can help our fellow members please contact me as i have many new and used spots fogs and all kinds of vintage lights at a more than fair price . i have a ( BRAND NEW 1957-1959 AND EDSEL ) UNITY BUILT FOR FORD THIS MONTH . WE HAVE WHAT YOU NEED 678 687 6866 JIM
A question for the spot light experts. There is an outside mounting bracket with each light.....evidently made specifically for each brand and model of car. Are they really that different??? Many look very similar at a glance. So, you buy a used light that was on a Chevy, and you plan to put it on a Ford. Now, do you need to buy a new Ford bracket from Unity....or what.
Just to add another $0.02, I was at a state auction a while back and they were selling old International state highway trucks, plow trucks and the like, like 1989-1995 models. Each one had a spotlight centered in the cab roof that looked like it was about the same size as an Appleton or other more desirable spotlight. Given these worn out old trucks were selling for about s**** money I bet if you hit the junkyard who parts these things out you could get them pretty cheap. For that matter someone is probably still making them, have to think you could buy new if you wanted. And since they mount to a flat top you aught to be able to put them most anywhere.
i picked these 2 up at a regular swapmeet a few months back for $10 for the pair,if the one your looking at buying is anything like these,just a unity brand i'd say $60 is kinda steep,,just my .02 cents
I bought two NICE Unitys last year for $35. But now I need adaptor kits to mount them to my shoebox - Which are still available from Unity, but for $70 PER SIDE !! So, unless they fit your car, there are other expenses !! Unity has many, many adapter kits, so I suspect they are somewhat specific although thet all look the same !! Any of you sales guys have kits to mount Unity to shoebox ?? PM me !!
The Jalopy Journal
